2022 Acura RDX vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Honda Odyssey had a familiar look that was subtly updated for the new model year. It featured a new grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation across all trims, and a new gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretching the width of the taillights. New wheel designs were introduced for the top three trim levels, modernizing the Odyssey by reducing brightwork. Buyers could choose from five trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite, with base prices ranging from $31,790 to $47,820, excluding destination charges. The test vehicle, a Lunar Silver Metallic Elite trim, was priced at $48,940, including the $1,120 destination charge. The Elite trim featured perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, new dashboard ambient lighting, and handsome new 19-inch wheels with Shark Gray paint and machined surfaces, giving it a more luxurious feel.

The 2022 Acura RDX required a close look to spot the styling changes inspired by the larger MDX model. Updates included modifications to the grille surround, front and rear bumper styling, new wheel designs, and paint colors. The limited-production, hand-built RDX PMC Edition returned in exclusive Long Beach Blue Pearl paint with an Orchid white interior. The PMC Edition topped a lineup that included the base model and option packages named Technology, A-Spec, Advance, and A-Spec Advance, with starting prices ranging from $42,300 to $53,300, excluding a $1,045 destination charge. The test vehicle featured the new-for-2022 A-Spec Advance package, extra-cost Apex Blue Pearl paint, and an Orchid interior, totaling $53,645, including the destination charge. The RDX A-Spec Advance justified its expense with high-quality interior materials, solid build quality, and a quieter interior, though the new vertical air inlets on the front fascia were not universally loved.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission powering the front wheels, producing 280 horsepower. The transmission included Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow driving modes, as well as paddle shifters. The V6 and automatic transmission combination provided smooth, effortless power, with variable cylinder management for fuel conservation. The EPA estimated 22 mpg in combined driving, and testing averaged 21.8 mpg. However, the lack of all-wheel drive (AWD) put the Odyssey at a disadvantage in snowy regions. The new electronic brake booster supported stop-and-go low-speed following for adaptive cruise control and improved brake pedal feel. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with perfectly weighted steering and firm but comfortable ride quality. However, the brakes did not withstand heavy use well, heating up and fading during a Southern California heatwave.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The engine delivered maximum thrust quickly, contributing to the RDX's enjoyable driving character, though heavy-footed driving reduced fuel economy from the EPA-rated 23 mpg to an average of 20.6 mpg during testing. A 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters was standard, and the drivetrain performed beautifully. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard on base, Technology, and A-Spec packages, while the Advance and A-Spec Advance packages included Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. The SH-AWD system could deliver up to 70 percent of the engine's power to a single rear wheel, enhancing cornering performance. The revised Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) and re-tuned adaptive-damping suspension provided a smoother ride in Comfort mode and greater responsiveness in Sport mode. The RDX also offered a quieter ride thanks to Active Sound Control enhancements and added sound insulation. The RDX's driving dynamics, comfortable seats, and torquey engine made it enjoyable to drive, though it did not qualify for Acura's Type S performance badge.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat was standard in all but the base LX trim, with the Elite trim adding a heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row Magic Slide seats provided versatile seating configurations, and the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults comfortably. Cargo space measured 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 88.8 cubic feet with the third row tumbled, and 144.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed. However, removing and reinstalling the second-row seats was cumbersome.

The 2022 Acura RDX, though a compact SUV, offered ample room for four adults and their luggage, with a standard panoramic sunroof. The interior emphasized a sporty driving position and featured a dramatic IDS driving mode knob on the dashboard. The control layout required a learning curve, with transmission buttons and the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system control pad. The standard 12-way power-adjustable and heated front seats were comfortable and supportive, with available ventilation. The back seat, however, felt flat and lacked support, though heated rear seat cushions were available. The RDX featured a standard power liftgate with available hands-free operation, providing 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space and additional hidden storage compartments beneath the load floor. Folding the back seat down created 58.9 cubic feet of cargo area.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey, starting with EX trim, featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, text-messaging support, basic HondaLink connectivity, and a Cabin Control smartphone app. Touring trim added a navigation system, HondaLink subscription service plans, WiFi capability, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk in-vehicle PA system. Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system, multi-zone listening options, and wireless smartphone charging. HondaLink Security, Remote, and Concierge subscription plans were available, with varying free trial periods. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray disc player, wireless headphones, and built-in streaming apps. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, pairing a 10.2-inch display screen with a sectioned touchpad controller. The TTI required a learning curve, as it introduced a direct one-to-one relationship between the touchpad and the screen. The 2022 RDX included Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. Standard features included satellite radio and AcuraLink connected services with a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Technology package added a navigation system. Three premium sound systems were available: a nine-speaker setup in the base RDX, a 12-speaker system by ELS Studio in the Technology package, and a 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system in higher packages. The Advance and A-Spec Advance packages included a 10.5-inch head-up display.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety with standard Honda Sensing on all trims, expanding its capabilities with a new radar unit. The Odyssey included low-speed follow capability for adaptive cruise control, pedestrian braking, road-sign recognition, and a new Honda Sensing menu button. Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning was available starting with EX trim. The Odyssey's ADAS worked accurately but could be smoother. The Odyssey earned top five-star ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for all assessments except rollover resistance, which received a four-star rating.

The 2022 Acura RDX received structural upgrades for improved side-impact safety and new safety features, including a rear seatbelt reminder system. The standard AcuraWatch collection added pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Technology package and higher trims included front and rear parking sensors with low-speed automatic braking. AcuraWatch's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems were mostly accurate but not as refined as some competitors. The RDX received a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, with four-star frontal-impact and rollover resistance ratings and five-star side-impact ratings.